New launch may boost food factory automation
In a recent launch, targeting the automotive and food and drink sectors, Siemens introduced version 12 of TIA, which enables all of its Sinamics G converter series drives to be integrated into the portal. TIA links engineering with maintenance operations in a shared framework.
TIA Portal can save between 30–40% on the engineering time required to set up an automated production system, claimed Simon Keogh, business manager for factory automation at Siemens. This is increasingly important as product lifecycles reduce and plant layouts have to be re-configured, he added.
With the new additions to TIA, further diagnostic functions have been integrated, including extended safety functionalities for the new series of Siemens Simatic S7-1500 controllers. These are geared toward performance and efficiency in automation in medium to high-end machine and plant automation, and the Profinet communication performance.
Müller, Heinz and Premier Foods
Siemens claimed around 30% share of the UK’s installed control systems market and is targeting up to 40% with its latest developments. It counts major food firms such as Müller, Heinz and Premier Foods among its UK client base.
The programming languages with TIA provide greater efficiency and new security functions, enhance protection and security against third-party manipulation such as replay attacks. There are updates for engineering tools for the configuration, programming, commissioning and servicing of the Siemens automation devices and drive systems.
"Version 12 of the TIA Portal provides users with further benefits designed to increase productivity and flexibility, such as the integration of drives and better security," said Keogh.
"Commissioning time is enhanced and maintenance strategies are supported, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiencies."
